Headteacher’s leaving gift is a good Ofsted report

A school has been rated good by the watchdog on the same week that its headteacher left for retirement.

All Saints in Featherstone waved goodbye to Jean Preston after she spent seven years at the helm on Tuesday.

Three days later an Ofsted report was released which described the school as good in all areas.

Outgoing headteacher Jean Preston, 56, said: “I’m absolutely delighted. The outcome was good for the first time. It reflects the hard work that the children and staff put into the school over the years.”

Inspectors said that outcomes are good for All Saints’ pupils, who are well-behaved and have positive attitudes to learning.

It reads: “A strong feature of lessons is the very calm and purposeful atmosphere for learning across the school, with teachers and teaching assistants establishing strong working relationships with their pupils.

“Expectations are high and pupils have good attitudes to learning and they strive to do their best. Pupils work together well and share their views and ideas.

“The school is quick to identify any pupils who are at risk of falling behind. Staff then make effective provision for them.”

It adds: “Teachers question pupils skilfully and regularly check their knowledge and understanding.”

The report says that the curriculum is broad and balanced, and that staff have challenging targets for their own development, which are linked to school priorities.

All Saints has a good relationship with parents – nearly all those who filled out Ofsted’s questionnaires said they would recommend it to others.

In a 2014 report, Ofsted said the school required improvement in all areas.